Court Finds Echostar's Current Distant Network Procedures to Be in Compliance with Copyright Laws; No Impact on Local Network Channel Broadcasts for EchoStar Customers.Business Editors LITTLETON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 11, 2003 EchoStar Communications Corporation EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) is the parent company of DISH Network and the maintainer of the satellite fleet that provides the signal that DISH Network markets. (Nasdaq: DISH) is pleased that a Florida court has found that EchoStar's current network channel qualification policies are in substantial compliance with copyright laws. We are also pleased that the court rejected the outrageous attempt by broadcasters to try to force EchoStar to terminate local and distant network channels to all customers. Importantly, the decision today does not impact any DISH Network customers who are receiving their local ABC ABC in full American Broadcasting Co. Major U.S. television network. It began when the expanding national radio network NBC split into the separate Red and Blue networks in 1928. , NBC NBC in full National Broadcasting Co. Major U.S. commercial broadcasting company. It was formed in 1926 by RCA Corp., General Electric Co. (GE), and Westinghouse and was the first U.S. company to operate a broadcast network. , CBS (Cell Broadcast Service) See cell broadcast. or FOX network channels by satellite. No damages were awarded by the court. "This has been a long and hard fought legal case that attempts to balance the rights of broadcasters and consumers," said Charles Ergen, chairman and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of EchoStar. "We look toward moving forward with broadcasters by continuing to add local cities and to make sure that all sides honor the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act (SHVIA SHVIA Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act of 1999 ) of 1999." This case started in October 1998 when EchoStar asked the Court to clarify and approve procedures for qualifying subscribers for distant network channels. EchoStar is disappointed that it has taken almost 5 years to get this ruling and that the court determined certain EchoStar methods are not allowed. Specifically, the court found that when qualifying distant network subscribers, EchoStar may only use one data base and that interference from other broadcast stations cannot be considered. As a result, EchoStar must re-qualify its distant network channel customers. This may result in the potential loss of certain distant network channels to less than 10 percent of EchoStar's customer base. EchoStar will appeal several issues, including the right of customers to be grandfathered to receive distant network channels as provided under the SHVIA. EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH), through its DISH Network(TM), is a leading U.S. provider of satellite television entertainment services with 8.53 million customers. DISH Network provides advanced digital satellite television services to the home, including hundreds of video, audio and data channels, personal video recording, HDTV (High Definition TV) A set of digital television (DTV) standards that offer the highest resolution and sharpest picture. Although some HDTV sets are available in standard (rather square) screen sizes, the overwhelming majority of sets are wide screen, which eliminates , sports and international programming, professional installation and 24-hour customer service. Visit DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com. |
|
||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion